Former TSTC Chief of Police pleads guilty to felony theft

June 4, 2013

Former Texas State Technical College (Sweetwater campus) Chief of Police Debrah Kaye McCain pled guilty on Monday in the 32nd Judicial District Court to theft of over $1,500 of a public servant, a third degree felony.
The classification would have been enhanced, had the amount been over $20,000. McCain was accused of taking U.S. currency in the amount of $19,528.03 on April 16, 2009, while she was the Sweetwater TSTC Chief of Police. "The money came into your custody by virtue of your status as a public servant," said Judge Glen Harrison.
McCain was sentenced to five years of deferred adjudication probation, meaning if she successfully completes her probation without revocation, a finding of guilt will not be made against her. She was also ordered to pay a $1,000 fine, $343 in court costs, $500 in attorney's fees and $19,528.03 in restitution to Ray Fried (TSTC) of Sweetwater. She will also have to serve 120 hours of community service.
"I am very concerned when I see a public servant abusing the trust of the public," said Judge Harrison. The judge asked the defendant if she had served jail time in this case. McCain stated that she had turned herself in and bonded out. The judge then sentenced her to a mandatory 14 days in jail to begin today.
TSTC declined to comment.